Rangers 4, Cardinals 2
Rangers 4, Cardinals 2: Nelson Cruz belted a two-run homer in the third inning to snap a tie and lead visiting Texas to its fourth consecutive victory.
A.J. Pierzynski also hit a two-run shot and Martin Perez worked seven solid innings for the Rangers, who will attempt to complete a sweep of the three-game set on Sunday.
Cruz, who broke a 4-4 deadlock in the series opener on Friday with a two-run single in the ninth inning, again was the hero. Following a leadoff single and a forceout, Cruz deposited Shelby Miller's first pitch over the wall in right field for his 19th home run and a 4-2 lead.
Perez (1-1) made it stand, limiting St. Louis to two runs and five hits over seven innings in his second start of the season. Tanner Scheppers worked a scoreless eighth and Joe Nathan tossed a perfect ninth for his 24th save in 25 opportunities.
Allen Craig had an RBI single and Shane Robinson lifted a sacrifice fly for the Cardinals, who are 3-3 on their seven-game homestand. Miller (8-5) yielded four runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 frames.
GAME NOTEBOOK: The start of the game was delayed 66 minutes by rain. ... Miller allowed more than three runs for just the second time in 15 starts this year. ... St. Louis is 3-3 against the American League in 2013, while Texas is 5-5 vs. the National League. ... Cardinals C Yadier Molina went 0-for-4, ending his hitting streak at seven games.